Saturday, 3 October 2026

The origin of the word hygiene in the name of Hygieia, goddess of health

Share
Antique engraving of a statue of a woman in long draped robes holding a snake, captioned Hygie.

The word "hygiene" derives from the name of the goddess Hygieia, goddess of health, healing and cleanliness. After all, places of healing must, above all, be clean. Apollo is the patron of medicine, but it is Hygieia who is nonetheless answerable for health.

Report a translation error